Word Origin & History

stigma 1590s, "mark made on skin by burning with a hot iron," from L. stigma (pl. stigmata), from Gk. stigma (gen. stigmatos) "mark, puncture," especially one made by a pointed instrument, from root of stizein "to mark, tattoo," from PIE *st(e)ig- (see stick (v.)). Figurative meaning "a mark of disgrace" is from 1610s, as is stigmatize in this sense. Stigmas "marks resembling the wounds on the body of Christ, appearing supernaturally on the bodies of the devout" is from 1630s; earlier stigmate (late 14c.), from L. stigmata.

Example Sentences for stigma

The world-weary wife knew not but that she had another husband still living, and a stigma, indelible, rested upon Franklin.

Was there anything to show that the stigma was ready for pollen in these two cases?

Yet she rebelled against the feeling that she had brought a taint or stigma upon herself.

He had thick, light-brown hair, just escaping the stigma of red.

It would be culpable to allow such a girl to enter on the world with such a stigma as being expelled from school would mean.

The groove on the stigma and the placentæ are in line with the fertile stamens.

To be branded "hopelessly wounded" was to him a stain, a stigma.

The stigma, if pollen suffice, should be covered with pollen.

To be concerned in such a scene, my dear child, would be a stigma from which even your goodness could not escape.

She felt it was only just to relieve Tess of the stigma she had placed upon her.